Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze. While the emirate dazzles you with its lavish, modern architectural feats and magnificent city life, it also entices you with its serene water inlets meandering through the city. Dubai Marina, the city's most modern hub, is built on the banks of an artificial canal that has become an important part of the city's identity. Here, the dhow cruise attraction adds a prominent feature of Arabic history that provides an exquisite experience while gliding on the tranquil waters of the Dubai Marina. A dhow cruise is one of the best ways to appreciate Dubai Marina's beauty. Here, take a look at the dhow cruise in Dubai Marina experience and why it shouldn't be missed on a Dubai holiday.
Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina - What is it?
A dhow is a wooden Arab ship that was used during the Bedouin era to sail along trading routes in support of the pearl and fishing trades. As time passed and Dubai turned to more advanced approaches, modern ships replaced the traditional wooden boats, but the dhow cruise experiences offered on the emirate's tranquil waterways continue to preserve a piece of Dubai's historic heritage from the dhow cruise era. You can now book a cruise on these traditional boats, which allow you to explore the emirate at a slow pace and with an off-the-shore experience. One such cruise experience beckons you to witness the beautiful panoramas of Dubai Marina - one of the scenic modern hub of Dubai city.
Sailing along the Dubai Marina will take your breath away, with the infamous Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island as sights to see in the swanky yacht-docked harbourfront canal district. The dhow is so well-equipped with plush and comfortable seating, soft lighting, and gracious service and hospitality that all you have to do is relax on the deck and enjoy the view. If you choose a Dubai Marina dhow cruise dinner tour, you can do all of this while enjoying a delicious buffet dinner. Fresh evening breeze combined with the aromas of succulent and flavorsome food blended with the enchanting trance of Arabian music, along with visually captivating dance performances ensures a truly unforgettable multi-sensory experience. As evening approaches, the sights of illuminated shorelines encircling the canal waters add to the scenic beauty. The Dubai Dhow dinner cruise is the perfect way to spend a pleasant and memorable evening at Dubai Marina.
Dhow Cruise - Dubai Marina vs. Dubai Creek and Dubai Canal
While a dhow cruise in Dubai Marina is certainly a unique experience, it's not the only option. The most popular dhow cruise destinations in Dubai are Dubai Marina, Dubai Canal, and Dubai Creek. The main features that distinguish Dubai Marina from Dubai Creek and Dubai Canal are its location and ambience. While the Dubai Creek dhow cruise emphasises the traditional scenery and old-world charms of Old Dubai, Dubai Marina allows you to experience the brilliance of Dubai's chic comforts and sophistication.
The Dubai Canal cruise, on the other hand, provides a contemporary experience, taking you through the newly opened Dubai Canal. However, it packs a lot of Dubai landmarks into a long journey, which can be overwhelming. The Dubai Marina cruise has a compact route that sails only on the Dubai Marina waterfront while providing incredible views of its adjacent iconic towers, Palm Jumeirah, and the iconic Ain Dubai at Bluewaters Island. The Dubai Marina Cruise, in particular, takes you through the chic and modern jewels that line Dubai's south-western coast.
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise - Timings and rates
Dhow cruises in Dubai Marina typically depart in the evening, with departures beginning around 5:00 pm for sunset cruises and later at 8.00 pm for dinner cruises. The cost of the cruise varies depending on the time of day and the package chosen, with prices starting around AED 140 per person. The cruise usually departs from Dubai Marina Yacht Club and lasts approximately 2 hours, providing breath-taking views of the city's skyline, the waterfront neighbourhood, and Ain Dubai - the world's largest observatory wheel.
Best time for enjoying a dhow cruise in Dubai Marina
The best time to enjoy this dhow cruise in Dubai is during the cooler months, from November to April. The weather is pleasant, and the views of the city skyline are especially stunning at night.
Dress code for Dubai Marina Cruise
A dhow cruise in Dubai Marina has a casual dress code, but it is always a good idea to dress modestly. Most public places in Dubai remind people to cover their shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, and remember that the dhow's deck can get quite windy, so bring a jacket or a sweater. It's best to dress in layers so you can decide whether you are cold enough to need a coat or jacket. Anytime, go for comfort over style.
Read More: Best Dhow Cruises in Dubai
Is the Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina your ideal tour?
If you are in Dubai and looking for a unique way to experience the chic beauty of Dubai in serenity but only have a couple of hours, a dhow cruise in Dubai Marina is definitely worth considering. The views of the city skyline are breath-taking, and the traditional wooden boat adds a cultural touch to the experience. If you want a more historical or modern experience with more sight-seeing opportunities, the Dubai Creek or Dubai Canal cruises may be a better fit. A Dubai Marina cruise is ideal for spending a short quality evening with your loved ones while admiring Dubai Marina's spectacular cityscape.
Conclusion
In Dubai Marina, a dhow cruise is a truly unforgettable experience through the scenic waters of one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the UAE. Being on a traditional wooden boat and admiring the city skyline from the boat makes it a memorable way to experience the beauty of Dubai from a different point of view. In just a few hours, you can experience all of Dubai Marina by taking a dhow cruise through the Marina, whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat visitor, traveling alone, with family, or on a romantic getaway.